The Los Angeles Clippers no longer have to worry about Paul George potentially leaving as a free agent after the 2020-21 season. The six-time All-Star has agreed to a contract extension through the 2024-25 season in a deal that makes him among the highest-paid players in the NBA.

The new deal guarantees George up to $226 million over the next five years, agent Aaron Mintz tells ESPN. The contract includes an additional four years and $190 million tacked onto his original deal.

George, 30, is set to earn $35.45 million this upcoming season. The extension will pay him a $39.34 million salary in 2021-2022, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, based on a projected $112 million salary cap.

The Clippers now have to pay George an estimated $42.49 million in 2022-23. George’s salary increases to $45.64 million in 2023-24. George has a player option in 2024-25 and a projected $48.78 million salary.

Stephen Curry is the highest-paid player for the upcoming season at $43 million.

The extension was expected after how much Los Angeles gave up to acquire the forward. In July 2019, the Clippers sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks and two pick swaps to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for George. The trade helped lure Kawhi Leonard to sign in L.A. as a free agent.

Leonard can opt-out of his contract next summer.

George’s first season with the Clippers was a disappointing one. The veteran was limited to 48 games because of injuries and he failed to make an All-NBA team. Los Angeles was upset in Game 7 of their second-round playoff series as George shot 4-16 from the field.

Los Angeles failed to reach the conference finals despite entering the 2019-20 season as the title favorites.

George averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in his first season with the Clippers.

Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers Getty Images | Mike Ehrmann
RELATED STORIES
NBA Basketball